McDonald's wins Stroud battle (From Stroud News and Journal)

McDonald's wins Stroud battle

BURGER giant McDonald's has finally won its battle to come to Stroud after the last obstacle was removed from its path.

At a meeting on Tuesday Stroud District Council gave the green light to the measures planned to make Rowcroft Retreat safe for people walking to and from the proposed restaurant in Merrywalks.

The council had put permission on hold for a month because members had wanted to see a pavement in place rather than settle for a green painted strip marking the pedestrian route.

But while McDonald's had been happy to apply and agreed on a scheme with the district, Gloucestershire County Council vetoed the plan.

Councillors grudgingly agreed to accept the county's replacement plan, which is almost identical to that put in front of the committee last month except the pedestrian priority strip will be buff to match King Street rather than the green that was originally suggested.

Cllr John Marjoram asked why a pavement had been ruled out.

"The county council felt a raised pavement would be a safety hazard," said planner Barry Wyatt.

"It is crossed by two access roads, and the pavement would give pedestrians a false sense of security."

Cllr Andy Read summed up the frustration felt by many councillors, who felt the county was undermining the district's efforts.

"The county council is rewriting highways history," said Cllr Andy Read.

"In essence they are saying pavement are dangerous for pedestrians which is ridiculous. "The way this has been handled is verging on incompetence."

Cllr Sybil Bruce, chairing the meeting, said she would look into the possibility of arranging a meeting with the county council to work out ways for the two authorities to work together more closely.